Rise in dog attacks in deprived areas

One of the dogs believed to be involved in the fatal attack on Jade Lomas-Anderson

HOSPITAL admissions for dog bites are three times as high in the most deprived areas of England as in the least, official figures show - with 61 here in the borough in the past year alone.

A report from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) found that in the 12 months to January 2014, there were 61 admissions in the borough for dog bites (19.5 per 100,000 people).

The highest rates in the most deprived areas of the country was 24.1 per 100,000, compared with 8.1 per 100,000 in the least deprived.

The report also found that dog bites are more common in the summer, and children under nine are the most likely to be injured.

They suffer more head injuries than teenagers and adults, who are more likely to experience wounds to the wrists and hands.

In the wake of the tragic death of Atherton teenager Jade Lomas-Anderson, this latest news has only served to heighten calls for tougher laws governing dogs.

The 14-year-old was mauled to death by a pack of dogs at a freind’s house on Chaucer Grove in March last year. Since then her family have campaigned for tougher laws governing dangerous dogs and also set up Jade’s Campaign - a charity which aims to educate dog owners.

Kingsley Manning, chairman of the HSCIC, said: “Hospital admissions for bites and strikes by dogs are three times as high in the most deprived areas of England as in the least deprived areas.

“We know that dog bite rates are particularly high among young children.

“As we head towards the summer months, when admission rates for dog bites are at their highest, these trends may be worth further study by healthcare organisations and public sector bodies.”

An inquest into Jade’s death is scheduled to take place next week on Thursday May 1.

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